China welcomes help from foreign militaries

China appreciates all foreign aid sent to earthquake-hit areas of Sichuan province and will respond positively to relief offers from foreign militaries, the defense ministry's spokesman said yesterday.

"We appreciate the aid and support from foreign governments, people and militaries to the areas affected by the quake in Sichuan," Hu Changming, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a briefing to foreign military attachs on the Chinese military's disaster relief operation.

"If a foreign military is willing to offer help, we will respond positively following diplomatic procedures," he said in an answer to an attach's question.